Georgia, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal plains to mountain ranges, provides an ideal habitat for a variety of hummingbird species.
These tiny, vibrant birds are known for their incredible flight capabilities, rapid wing beats, and iridescent feathers.
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can be a delightful experience, especially when you plant species that they favor.
This article explores twelve types of hummingbirds that can be found in Georgia and the plants that attract them.
1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species in Georgia.
Males are easily identified by their brilliant red throat, while females have a more subdued appearance with green and white plumage.
These birds are known for their long migratory journeys, traveling from Central America to North America each year.
Plants They Love: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are particularly fond of red or orange tubular flowers, which are easy for their long bills to access.
Plants such as red salvia, trumpet creeper, and bee balm are excellent choices.
These flowers provide not only the nectar they crave but also the vibrant colors that attract them from a distance.
Additionally, native honeysuckle varieties and cardinal flowers can enhance your garden’s appeal to these birds.
2. Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
Though less common than the Ruby-throated, the Black-chinned Hummingbird can occasionally be spotted in Georgia, particularly in the western parts of the state.
The male is distinguished by a black chin and a purple throat band, while the female has a pale throat.
Plants They Love: Black-chinned Hummingbirds enjoy a variety of nectar-rich flowers.
Sage species, including autumn sage and black and blue sage, are particularly attractive to them.
Penstemon and columbine also provide the tubular flowers that fit their feeding style.
Planting a mix of these flowers can ensure that your garden remains a favored spot for these visitors.
3. Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its fiery plumage and aggressive nature.
Males are a striking orange-red, while females are green with some orange on their flanks and tail.
They are highly territorial and often chase away other hummingbirds from feeders and flower patches.
Plants They Love: Rufous Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, nectar-rich flowers.
Fuchsia, zinnias, and coral bells are excellent choices for attracting these birds.
The rich colors and abundant nectar of these plants provide the energy Rufous Hummingbirds need for their active lifestyle.
Adding a variety of these flowers to your garden can create an inviting environment for them.
4. Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Anna’s Hummingbirds are known for their iridescent pink feathers on their heads and throats.
While they are more commonly found along the West Coast, some have been spotted in Georgia, particularly during winter migrations.
Their distinctive coloration and relatively large size make them easy to identify.
Plants They Love: These hummingbirds are attracted to nectar-rich plants such as honeysuckle, azaleas, and manzanita.
They also favor eucalyptus and bottlebrush, which provide not only nectar but also suitable perches.
By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can attract Anna’s Hummingbirds and enjoy their dazzling plumage up close.
5. Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)
The Calliope Hummingbird, the smallest bird in North America, occasionally visits Georgia during migration.
Males have striking magenta streaks on their throats, while females are more subdued with green and white coloring.
Plants They Love: To attract Calliope Hummingbirds, consider planting bee balm, penstemon, and paintbrush.
These plants have the tubular flowers that suit their feeding habits and provide the necessary nectar.
Adding a variety of these plants to your garden can create a haven for these tiny visitors.
6. Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are known for the metallic trilling sound made by their wings in flight.
Males have a rosy-red throat, while females have a green back and pale underparts.
They are usually found in higher elevations but can sometimes be spotted in Georgia.
Plants They Love: Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are attracted to columbine, lupine, and delphinium.
These plants offer the tubular flowers they prefer and provide ample nectar.
Incorporating these flowers into your garden can help attract these beautiful birds and support their energy needs.
7. Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
Allen’s Hummingbird is similar in appearance to the Rufous Hummingbird but can be distinguished by its green back and rust-colored flanks.
They are more commonly found along the West Coast but have been spotted in Georgia during migration periods.
Plants They Love: Allen’s Hummingbirds are drawn to a variety of flowering plants, including honeysuckle, sage, and fuchsia.
These plants offer the nectar-rich flowers they need for sustenance.
Planting a mix of these flowers can make your garden an attractive stopover for these hummingbirds during their migrations.
8. Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis)
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a vibrant species with a green back and a buff-colored belly.
They are more common in the Gulf Coast region but have been recorded in Georgia.
Their striking appearance and unique coloration make them a delightful sight.
Plants They Love: To attract Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, consider planting coral honeysuckle, Turk’s cap, and firebush.
These plants have the bright, tubular flowers that provide the nectar they seek.
Adding these plants to your garden can attract Buff-bellied Hummingbirds and enhance your outdoor space with their beauty.
9. Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Costa’s Hummingbird is known for the males’ vibrant purple crown and throat.
Although they are primarily found in the southwestern United States, they occasionally make their way to Georgia.
Their distinctive coloration and small size make them a unique addition to any garden.
Plants They Love: These hummingbirds are attracted to plants such as desert willow, chuparosa, and ocotillo.
These flowers offer the nectar Costa’s Hummingbirds need and are well-suited to their feeding habits.
By planting these species, you can attract these striking birds and enjoy their vivid colors.
10. Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris)
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a striking species with a metallic green body and a vivid blue throat.
They are more common in the southwestern United States but have been spotted in Georgia.
Their bright colors and distinctive appearance make them a standout in any garden.
Plants They Love: To attract Broad-billed Hummingbirds, consider planting hummingbird sage, desert honeysuckle, and chuparosa.
These plants offer the nectar-rich flowers that suit their feeding habits and provide the sustenance they need.
Adding these plants to your garden can create an inviting environment for these colorful birds.
11. Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii)
The Green-breasted Mango is a rare visitor to Georgia, usually found in Mexico and Central America.
They are large hummingbirds with a green back and a dark, forked tail. Their unique appearance makes them a rare but exciting sight in any garden.
Plants They Love: Green-breasted Mangos are attracted to flowering plants such as heliconia, hibiscus, and lantana.
These plants provide the nectar-rich flowers that they need for sustenance.
Incorporating these plants into your garden can attract these rare hummingbirds and add a tropical flair to your outdoor space.
12. Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps)
The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is known for its distinctive violet crown and white throat.
They are primarily found in the southwestern United States and Mexico but have occasionally been spotted in Georgia.
Their unique coloration makes them a beautiful addition to any garden.
Plants They Love: These hummingbirds are attracted to plants such as hummingbird mint, penstemon, and desert honeysuckle.
These flowers provide the nectar they need and are well-suited to their feeding habits.
Planting these species can help attract Violet-crowned Hummingbirds and add a splash of color to your garden.
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Conclusion
Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden in Georgia involves selecting the right plants that provide the necessary nectar and habitat for these fascinating birds.
By planting a variety of native and nectar-rich flowers, you can attract a diverse array of hummingbird species, each bringing its unique charm and vibrant colors.
Whether you are an avid bird watcher or simply enjoy the beauty of these tiny creatures, understanding the types of hummingbirds in Georgia and the plants they love can enhance your gardening experience and support local wildlife.